President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump are bound for Rome! The first couple departed the White House on Friday morning. As they made their way to Marine One, the president and first lady were captured sharing a moment of PDA. While walking together, the dad of five sweetly had his arm around his wife, whom he's been married to for 20 years.
President Trump announced on Monday that he and Melania would be attending Pope Francis' funeral, which is taking place on Saturday, April 26. "We look forward to being there!" he wrote on Truth Social. The Prince of Wales, Queen Mary of Denmark, King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden, and King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain will also be among the attendees.
Pope Francis died of a stroke, coma and irreversible cardiovascular collapse on April 21. Following his passing, the 45th and 47th president of the United States paid tribute to the 266th pontiff. "Rest in Peace Pope Francis! May God Bless him and all who loved him!" he wrote on Truth Social.
President Trump later posted that "as a mark of respect for the memory of His Holiness Pope Francis," he had ordered "that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset, on the day of interment."
He continued, "I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same length of time at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations."
At the White House Easter Egg Roll on Monday, the president described the late pope as a "good man." He told attendees, "I just signed an executive order putting the flags of our country, all of them, all federal flags and state flags at half mast in honor of Pope Francis," adding, "He was a good man, worked hard. He loved the world and it's an honor to do that."
The first lady also mourned the death of the pope on Monday. "On this Easter Monday, we remember His Holiness, Pope Francis. I join millions of people around the world in mourning his loss," Melania penned on X (formerly Twitter). "I will always cherish my trip to the Holy See in 2017. May he rest in peace."